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Detroit Free Press Sports Writer

On Tuesday, linebacker Stephen Tulloch, when asked for his general impressions of the NFL draft, called Watkins his “all-star pick” and “a once-in-a-10-year player.”

On Wednesday, receiver Golden Tate, who met Watkins during his predraft visit to Detroit, said he’d be happy to have the Clemson receiver as a teammate, if the Lions decide to trade up to get him.

“Hey, the more the merrier,” Tate said.

The Lions are still in the market for receiver help, despite signing Tate to a lucrative five-year free agent contract last month. And Watkins is the type of playmaking deep threat who would complete the pass-catching corps.

Considered one of the top receivers to come out of college in recent years, Watkins is projected to go in the top five picks of the draft.

“A lot of respect for Sammy Watkins,” Tate said. “I think he’s going to play a long time, regardless of where he goes. I think he’d be a great addition to this offense. Another deep threat, for sure, another complement to myself, Calvin (Johnson), (Kevin) Ogletree, (Jeremy) Ross and the other guys in the locker room.

“We have a lot of explosive players, and if we can get another one, that just makes us better. I don’t see this locker room being a selfish locker room or getting upset that we brought in another great player. I think the goal right now is to win games, win the division, go deep in the playoffs, earn home-field advantage and make a run at the Super Bowl, and that’s the only thing that’s important to us.”

Tate said he got a favorable impression of Watkins after meeting him earlier this month. Along with Tate, Watkins spent time with Johnson, coach Jim Caldwell, offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi and vice chairman Bill Ford Jr. during his trip to Detroit.

“He seemed to be a very humble guy,” Tate said. “His game speaks for itself. He’s kind of quiet, which you kind of expect that out of a rookie. Rookies shouldn’t talk much in the first place, in my eyes. But we’ll see. I’ll be anxious to see this draft. This is such a strong draft class, I’m excited to see where we go. I don’t know if we’re going to keep our pick, trade up or trade back. I don’t know what we’re going to do, but I’m excited to see who we can bring in to this organization to help us.”